FUOYE Suspends SUG President, Two Officials Over Alleged Student Levy Racket

The management of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has suspended the Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, James Iyanuoluwa Adio, and two senior officials of the institution over allegations of unauthorised collection of money from students.

The affected officials are the Director of the Directorate of Educational Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Mr Olanrewaju Patrick Ogunjobi, and the Deputy Dean of Student Affairs and Support Services, Dr Banji Rildwan Olaleye.

Their suspension followed allegations that 100-level students were compelled to pay N1,000 each for practical sessions without the approval of the university authorities.

In a statement issued by the Registrar, Mr Mufutau A. Ibrahim, the university said the action was taken after a petition submitted by an official of the Students’ Union Government raised concerns over the alleged levy.

The petition accused some officials of facilitating the collection of the fee outside approved university channels and procedures.

According to the Registrar, management responded by setting up a preliminary fact-finding committee to investigate the allegations.

“In the interest of fairness and in accordance with the principles of natural justice, Management constituted a Preliminary Fact-Finding Committee to look into the allegations,” Ibrahim said.

He explained that all individuals named in the petition appeared before the committee and were given the opportunity to respond to the claims against them.

The committee reportedly found that Ogunjobi allegedly authorised and oversaw the collection of N1,000 from affected students without obtaining approval from the university management or Senate.

The report further indicated that the funds were not processed through the institution’s approved payment system managed by the Bursary Department.

Olaleye was also alleged to have played a role in the exercise by assisting in the collection process despite occupying a key position in the Student Affairs Division.

The investigation equally drew in the Students’ Union President, Adio, who was alleged to have benefited indirectly from the proceeds.

According to the university, findings before the committee suggested that the student leader participated in the sharing of an initial sum and later demanded the return of funds, leading to the transfer of N700,000 into his personal bank account.

The institution described the allegations as contrary to its ongoing efforts to stamp out corruption, extortion and other forms of misconduct within the university system.

Consequently, management approved the suspension of the three individuals pending the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings.

The university maintained that the action was necessary to protect the integrity of its internal processes and preserve public confidence in its administration.

Ibrahim reiterated FUOYE’s commitment to accountability and ethical conduct, warning that any act capable of tarnishing the institution’s image would be dealt with decisively.

“Management wishes to reiterate its unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, accountability and discipline within the university,” he said.

“The university will not tolerate the extortion of students, abuse of office, financial impropriety or corruption in any form.”

The suspensions are the latest in a series of measures by the university aimed at strengthening transparency and enforcing compliance with its financial and administrative regulations.